Organic anion lithium ionic cocrystal compounds and compositions

ABSTRACT

A cocrystal having the formula LiX.aM, or a solvate or hydrate thereof, wherein X is a conjugate base of an organic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule, and a is from 0.5 to 4, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such cocrystals, cocrystal solvates, or cocrystal hydrates, and methods of preparing such cocrystals, cocrystal solvates, or cocrystal hydrates, and such pharmaceutical compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility Application entitled“ORGANIC ANION LITHIUM IONIC COCRYSTAL COMPOUNDS AND COMPOSITIONS”,having Ser. No. 15/793,435, filed on Oct. 25, 2017, which is acontinuation of U.S. Utility Application entitled “ORGANIC ANION LITHIUMIONIC COCRYSTAL COMPOUNDS AND COMPOSITIONS”, having Ser. No. 14/779,774(now U.S. Pat. No. 9,840,251), filed on Sep. 24, 2015, which is the 35U.S.C. § 371 national stage application of PCT Patent Applicationentitled “ORGANIC ANION LITHIUM IONIC COCRYSTAL COMPOUNDS ANDCOMPOSITIONS”, having serial number PCT/US14/34670, filed Apr. 18, 2014,which claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication entitled “ORGANIC ANION LITHIUM IONIC COCRYSTAL COMPOUNDSAND COMPOSITIONS”, having Ser. No. 61/813,901, filed Apr. 19, 2013, allof which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to ionic cocrystal compounds andcompositions containing a lithium salt and a neutral organic molecule ina stoichiometric ratio wherein the lithium salt comprises an organicanion salt of lithium. Such compositions may be used in the preparationof (or even as) lithium-containing pharmaceuticals, or forcommercial/industrial uses such as green chemistry (synthesis ofpolymers and specialty chemicals), energy sustainability (low densityporous materials), pesticides/herbicides, explosives/propellants and/orelectronic materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In 1800, lithium, in particular LiCO₃, was first used to dissolvebladder stones for the treatment of urate imbalances. In 1871, theremarked the first recorded use of lithium for the treatment of mania. In1886, there was recorded use of lithium carbonate (the active ingredientin the current pill form of lithium) to prevent depression. In 1929,lithium citrate was used in “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda”, abeverage marketed as a cure for hangovers. In 1948, lithium was firstused by psychiatrists to treat patients with mania, and in that sameyear, lithium citrate was removed from the beverage 7UP®. The followingyear marked lithium's first legitimate medical application, and in 1970the FDA approved lithium for the treatment of mania.(http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/-meds/LithiumHistory.htm;Gielen, Marcel, Edward R. T. Tiekink (2005). Metallotherapeutic drugsand metal-based diagnostic agents: The use of metals in medicine. JohnWiley and Sons. p. 3. ISBN 0-470-86403-6; and Gerhard N. Schrauzer.Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 21, No. 1, 14-21(2002)).

Lithium salts have a long history of human consumption beginning in the1800s. In psychiatry, they have been used to treat mania and as aprophylactic for depression since the mid 20th century (Shorter E. Thehistory of lithium therapy. Bipolar Disord. 2009; 11 Suppl 2:4-9).Today, lithium salts are used as a mood stabilizer for the treatment ofbipolar disorder. Although the FDA has approved no medications as safeand effective treatments for suicidality, lithium has also proven to bethe only drug that consistently reduces suicidality in patients withneuropsychiatric disorders (Baldessarini R J, Tondo L, Hennen J.Treating the suicidal patient with bipolar disorder. Reducing suiciderisk with lithium. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001; 932:24-38; discussion 9-43;Goodwin F K, Fireman B, Simon G E, Hunkeler E M, Lee J, Revicki D.Suicide risk in bipolar disorder during treatment with lithium anddivalproex. JAMA. 2003; 290:1467-73).

Although suicide and suicidality are major and growing public healthproblems and suicide is now ranked as the 11th leading cause of death inthe U.S., the relationship between psychiatric medication andsuicidality has not been well studied. This is at a time when there isgrowing evidence that vulnerability to suicidality may be inheritedindependently of vulnerability to mood disorders. These considerationshave led to increasing calls for a separate category for “SuicideDisorders” in DSM V. However, there is growing evidence that treatmentsthat are effective for mood disorders are not always effective forsuicidality and vice versa. Paradoxically, antidepressants, althoughthey improve depression over 4 to 8 weeks, are not believed to lowersuicidality. In contrast, lithium does appear to lower suicidality inboth recurrent unipolar major depressive disorder and in bipolardepression but is not a good short-term treatment of depression. Todate, no medication has been specifically approved by the US Food andDrug Administration (FDA) or by any of the world's regulatory agencies.Moreover, in the context of growing concern about suicide in the U.S.,the FDA is has recently expressed interest in reviewing any medicationthat might demonstrate efficacy against suicidality if suicidality isthe a-priori primary outcome measure. Lithium is the only medicationthat consistently reduces suicidality in recurrent unipolar majordepressive disorder and in bipolar disorder. However existing lithiumdrugs such as lithium chloride and lithium carbonate suffer from chronictoxicity, poor physicochemical properties and poor brainbioavailability.

Despite these effective medicinal uses, current lithium pharmaceutics(lithium carbonate and lithium citrate) are plagued with a narrowtherapeutic window that requires constant blood draws for the patientand monitoring of plasma lithium levels and thyroid hormones by aclinician. Many patients undergoing lithium therapy find the sideeffects to be unbearable, which negatively effects compliance anddiscourages physicians from utilizing lithium. These problems arisebecause the site of action for the treatment of psychiatric andneurodegenerative diseases are in the brain and lithium salts cross theblood-brain-barrier slowly (Davenport V D. Distribution of parenterallyadministered lithium in plasma, brain and muscle of rats. Am J Physiol.1950; 163:633-41; Ebadi M S, Simmons V J, Hendrickson M J, Lacy P S.Pharmacokinetics of lithium and its regional distribution in rat brain.Eur J Pharmacol. 1974; 27:324-9). This often requires multipleadministrations throughout the day to reach therapeutic concentrations.Unfortunately, this leads to peripheral accumulation of lithiumresulting in metabolic adverse effects such as hypothyroidism,hyperparathyroidism, weight gain, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus(Livingstone C, Rampes H. Lithium: a review of its metabolic adverseeffects. J Psychopharmacol. 2006; 20:347-55).

Because lithium is so effective at reducing manic episodes in patientswith bipolar disorder, it is still used clinically despite its narrowtherapeutic index. This has led researchers to begin to look foralternatives to lithium with similar bioactivities. The problem withthis approach is that the mechanism of action remains highly debated.However, recent studies have identified many important bioactivities oflithium that may be responsible for its therapeutic efficacy in itscurrent FDA approved indications and beyond. Lithium exertsneuroprotective effects by increasing the phosphorylation of ERK (PardoR, Andreolotti A G, Ramos B, Picatoste F, Claro E. Opposed effects oflithium on the MEK-ERK pathway in neural cells: inhibition in astrocytesand stimulation in neurons by GSK3 independent mechanisms. J Neurochem.2003; 87:417-26). The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)pathway is important for mediating neurogenesis and synaptic plasticityand has been implicated as an important target for mood stabilizers(Chen G, Manji H K. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway:an emerging promising target for mood stabilizers. Current opinion inpsychiatry. 2006; 19:313-23). Lithium has also been found to inhibitenzymes that require metal ions for catalysis in a noncompetitive mannerby displacing a divalent cation (Phiel C J, Klein P S. Molecular targetsof lithium action. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2001; 41:789-813). Two ofthese enzymes that have important implications in bipolar disorder areglycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and inositol monophosphatase. GSK-3beta was first identified as the molecular target of lithium by Klein etal (Klein P S, Melton D A. A molecular mechanism for the effect oflithium on development. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1996; 93:8455-9). Itfunctions by phosphorylating glycogen synthase, the rate-limiting enzymeof glycogen biosynthesis (Alon L T, Pietrokovski S, Barkan S, AvrahamiL, Kaidanovich-Beilin O, Woodgett J R, et al. Selective loss of glycogensynthase kinase-3alpha in birds reveals distinct roles for GSK-3isozymes in tau phosphorylation. FEBS Lett. 2011; 585:1158-62). GSK-3inhibitors like lithium generally produce a weak anti-depressant-likeand strong anti-mania-like effect, which explains its utility in bipolardisorder (Rowe M K, Wiest C, Chuang D M. GSK-3 is a viable potentialtarget for therapeutic intervention in bipolar disorder. NeurosciBiobehav Rev. 2007; 31:920-31). GSK-3 is expressed in all tissues, withparticularly abundant levels in the brain (Yao H B, Shaw P C, Wong C C,Wan D C. Expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3 isoforms in mousetissues and their transcription in the brain. J Chem Neuroanat. 2002;23:291-7). Therefore, this enzyme has tremendous potential as atherapeutic target for the treatment of neurological diseases that arecharacterized by dysregulated GSK-3 such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) andHIV associated neurocognitive disorders (Anthony I C, Norrby K E,Dingwall T, Carnie F W, Millar T, Arango J C, et al. Predisposition toaccelerated Alzheimer-related changes in the brains of humanimmunodeficiency virus negative opiate abusers. Brain. 2010;133:3685-98; Avila J, Hernandez F. GSK-3 inhibitors for Alzheimer'sdisease. Expert Rev Neurother. 2007; 7:1527-33; Martinez A, Perez D I.GSK-3 inhibitors: a ray of hope for the treatment of Alzheimer'sdisease? J Alzheimers Dis. 2008; 15:181-91; Dewhurst S, Maggirwar S B,Schifitto G, Gendelman H E, Gelbard H A. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta(GSK-3 beta) as a therapeutic target in neuroAIDS. J NeuroimmunePharmacol. 2007; 2:93-6).

In addition to inhibiting GSK-3, lithium also inhibits inositolmonophosphatase (IMPase) leading to cerebral inositol depletion (AllisonJ H, Stewart M A. Reduced brain inositol in lithium-treated rats.Nature: New biology. 1971; 233:267-8). This has been gaining favor fromsome as the putative target of lithium therapy since its mechanism waselucidated by Pollack et al (Pollack S J, Atack J R, Knowles M R,McAllister G, Ragan C I, Baker R, et al. Mechanism of inositolmonophosphatase, the putative target of lithium therapy. Proc Natl AcadSci USA. 1994; 91:5766-70). Furthermore, lithium, valproic acid, andcarbamazepine, which are all used for stabilization of mood, have beenshown to lead to the depletion of inositol (Harwood A J. Lithium andbipolar mood disorder the inositol-depletion hypothesis revisited. MolPsychiatry. 2005; 10:117-26). This has bolstered support for theinositol depletion hypothesis of lithium therapy and has highlightedthis molecular target in the search for “lithium mimetics” (Singh N,Halliday A C, Thomas J M, Kuznetsova O V, Baldwin R, Woon E C, et al. Asafe lithium mimetic for bipolar disorder. Nature communications. 2013;4:1332). However, given the frequency of suicidality as a comorbidity inpatients with bipolar disorder (Goodwin F K, Jamison K R.Manic-depressive illness. New York: Oxford University Press; 1990;Kilbane E J, Gokbayrak N S, Galynker I, Cohen L, Tross S. A review ofpanic and suicide in bipolar disorder: does comorbidity increase risk?Journal of affective disorders. 2009; 115:1-10) and that only lithiumconsistently reduces suicidality in these patients, it is doubtful thatalternate IMPase inhibitors will produce the desired clinical outcomethat can be achieved with lithium.

Crystal engineering is the understanding of intermolecular interactionsin the context of crystal packing and utilization of such understandingin the design of new solids with desired physical and chemicalproperties. Cocrystals are solids that are crystalline single phasematerials composed of two or more different molecular and/or ioniccompounds (i.e. cocrystal formers) generally in a stoichiometric ratio.When one or both of the cocrystal formers are ionic (i.e., salts), theresulting cocrystal is an ionic cocrystal; when both of the cocrystalformers are molecular (i.e., molecules including zwitterionicmolecules), the resulting cocrystal is a molecular cocrystal. Apharmaceutical cocrystal is a cocrystal in which a pharmaceuticallyacceptable cocrystal former forms a supramolecular synthon with anactive pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) (Vishweshwar, P; McMahon, J.A.; Bis, J. A.; Zaworotko, M. J. “Pharmaceutical Co-Crystals.” J.Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 95, No. 3, 499-516, 2006). For example,Hoogsteen's cocrystal is the combination of 1-methylthymine (MTH) and9-methyladenine (MAD) to form MTHMAD (Schmidt, J.; Snipes, W. Int. J.Radiat. Biol., 1967, 13, 101-109; K. Hoogsteen, 1963, Acta Crystallogr.,16, 907). Crystal forms are important to pharmaceutical science fortheir purity, processability, physiochemical properties, stability,reproducibility, and cost of delivery. Hundreds of cocrystal forms mayexist for an active pharmaceutical ingredient and it may therefore bepossible to exert control over solubility to attenuate serumconcentration and increase bioavailability (Smith, A. J.; Kavuru, P.;Wojtas, L.; Zaworotko, M. J.; Shytle, R. D. “Cocrystals of Quercetinwith Improved Solubility and Oral Bioavailability.” MolecularPharmaceutics, 8, 1867-1876, 2011).

Lithium remains widely prescribed by clinicians because of its efficacyand limited side effects despite its narrow therapeutic index (Halford,Bethany. “Limits of Lithium.” Chemical and Engineering News, Vol. 91,Issue 12, 15-20, 2013). Plasma levels of lithium last for 12-24 hoursdepending on dosage, and typically there is no trace of LiCl in theplasma at 48 hours. Lithium influx into the brain is slow, with brainlevels peaking at 24 hours following single oral dose. Constant plasmalevels are required for more than 24 hours to equilibrate with plasma.The proposed mechanism of action of lithium and the mechanism ofinhibitory regulation of GSK-3 activity by lithium have been described.(Chiu and Chuang (2010) Molecular actions and therapeutic potential oflithium in preclinical and clinical studies of CNS disorders. PharmacolTher.; 128(2): 281-304). Inhibitory regulation of GSK-3 activity bylithium is affected by magnesium (Ryves, Jonathan, et al., LithiumInhibits Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 by Competition for Magnesium,Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 280, 720-725(2001)).

Ionic cocrystals of lithium salts with compounds known to be activelytransported into the cerebrospinal compartment could preferentiallydistribute lithium to the brain. Ionic cocrystals of NaCl and sucrosewere isolated in the late 1940s (Beevers, C. A., Cochran, W. Nature.1946, 157, 872). However, the field is relatively unexplored, andmedicinal uses have not been addressed in the prior art. The prior arthas also seen ionic cocrystals formed from alkali metal bromides withbarbituric acid (D. Braga et al., Chem. Commun., 2010, 46, 7715-7717;Cryst. Growth Des., 2011, 11, 5621-5627; Chem. Commun., 2012, 48,8219-8221). This and all other referenced publications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties. Furthermore, where a definitionor use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by referenceherein is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that termprovided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies andthe definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the various aspects of the present invention may be noted theprovision of compositions comprising a lithium ionic cocrystal of anorganic anion and a neutral organic molecule in a stoichiometric ratio,and a method for generating ionic cocrystals that involveLi-carboxylate-Li linkages that can be formed when cocrystal formerssuch as amino acid zwitterions form cocrystals with lithium. Theresulting compositions may be used, for example, in the preparation of(or even as) lithium-containing pharmaceuticals, or forcommercial/industrial uses such as green chemistry (synthesis ofpolymers and specialty chemicals), energy sustainability (low densityporous materials), pesticides/herbicides, explosives/propellants and/orelectronic materials. In one such embodiment lithium compounds andcompositions of the present invention require lower dosages to achievetherapeutic brain levels of lithium for psychiatric disorders, thusbroadening lithium's therapeutic index.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the organic anionlithium ionic cocrystal compounds and compositions described hereinoffer improved physicochemical properties compared to existing forms oflithium and therefore have the potential to be developed aspharmaceuticals (as anti-suicidal drugs or for use against other mooddisorders).

Briefly, therefore, one aspect of the present invention is an ioniccocrystal having the formula LiX.aM, wherein X is a conjugate base of anorganic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule. In certain aspects, a canbe from 0.5 to 4.

In another aspect, disclosed is a cocrystal having the formula LiX.aM.bSwherein X is a conjugate base of an organic acid, M is a neutral organicmolecule, and S is solvent or water.

The present invention is further directed to an ionic cocrystal havingthe formula LiX.aM, or a solvate or hydrate thereof, wherein X is aconjugate base of an organic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule. Incertain aspects, a can be from 0.5 to 4.

The present invention is further directed to a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound having the formula LiX.aM or a solvateor hydrate thereof, wherein X is a pharmaceutically acceptable conjugatebase of an organic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule, and a is from0.5 to 4.

The present invention is further directed to a dosage unit form of apharmaceutical composition, the dosage unit form comprising a compoundhaving the formula LiX.aM or a solvate or hydrate thereof, wherein X isa pharmaceutically acceptable conjugate base of an organic acid, M is aneutral organic molecule, and a is from 0.5 to 4.

The present invention is further directed to a method for preparing anorganic anion lithium ionic cocrystal compound comprising a lithium saltand a complementary neutral organic compound in a stoichiometric ratiowherein the lithium salt comprises an organic anion salt of lithium. Themethod comprises combining a lithium salt and a complementary neutralorganic compound in a solvent, the lithium salt comprising a conjugatebase of an organic acid, and evaporating or cooling the solvent to formthe organic anion lithium ionic cocrystal. The stoichiometric ratio ofthe complementary neutral organic compound to the lithium salt in theorganic anion lithium ionic cocrystal is preferably from 0.5:1 to 4:1,respectively.

Other aspects and objects of the invention will be in part apparent andin part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the calculated and experimental powder x-ray diffractionpattern of LBEPRO, as described further in Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a comparison of the calculated and experimental powder x-raydiffraction patterns of LBEPRO, as described further in Example 1.

FIG. 3 is a digital microscope image of LBEPRO, as described further inExample 1.

FIG. 4 is a crystal packing diagram of LBEPRO, as described further inExample 1.

FIG. 5 the calculated and experimental powder x-ray diffraction patternof LIS4HPR, as described further in Example 2.

FIG. 6 is a comparison of the calculated and experimental powder x-raydiffraction patterns of LIS4HPR, as described further in Example 2.

FIG. 7 is a digital microscope image of LIS4HPR, as described further inExample 2.

FIG. 8 is a crystal packing diagram of LIS4HPR, as described further inExample 2.

FIG. 9 is the calculated and experimental powder x-ray diffractionpattern of LISBAL, as described further in Example 3.

FIG. 10 is a comparison of the calculated and experimental powder x-raydiffraction patterns of LISBAL, as described further in Example 3.

FIG. 11 is a digital microscope image of LISBAL, as described further inExample 3.

FIG. 12 is a crystal packing diagram of LISBAL, as described further inExample 3.

FIG. 13 is the calculated x-ray diffraction pattern of LOXBAL.H₂O, asdescribed further in Example 4.

FIG. 14 is a digital microscope image of LOXBAL.H₂O, as describedfurther in Example 4.

FIG. 15 is a crystal packing diagram of LOXBAL.H₂O, as described furtherin Example 4.

FIG. 16 is the calculated and experimental powder x-ray diffractionpattern of LSCBTN.2H₂O, as described further in Example 5.

FIG. 17 is a comparison of the calculated and experimental powder x-raydiffraction patterns of LSCBTN.2H₂O, as described further in Example 5.

FIG. 18 is a digital microscope image of LSCBTN.2H₂O crystals, asdescribed further in Example 5.

FIG. 19 is a crystal packing diagram of LSCBTN.2H₂O, as describedfurther in Example 5.

FIG. 20 is the calculated and experimental powder x-ray diffractionpatterns of LSCSAR, as described further in Example 6.

FIG. 21 is a comparison of the experimental and calculated powder x-raydiffraction patterns of LSCSAR, as described further in Example 6.

FIG. 22 is a digital microscope image of LSCSAR crystals, as describedfurther in Example 6.

FIG. 23 is a crystal packing diagram of LSCSAR, as described further inExample 6.

FIG. 24 is a FT-IR diagram of LISPRO, as described further in Example 7.

FIG. 25 is a DSC diagram of LISPRO, as described further in Example 7.

FIG. 26 is the calculated powder x-ray diffraction pattern of LISPRO, asdescribed further in Example 7.

FIG. 27 is a digital microscope imager of LISPRO crystals, as describedfurther in Example 7.

FIG. 28 is a crystal packing diagram of LISPRO, as described further inExample 7.

FIG. 29 is a graph depicting the results of an assay in which it wasdemonstrated that Lithium saccharinate (LSC) ionic cocrystals (ICCs)outperform lithium salts at abolishing NO production by LPS-activatedmicroglia. Statistical significance from the no treatment (0 mM) withLPS control was assessed by t-tests (*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001) asdescribed further in Example 8.

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

The following definitions and methods are provided to better define thepresent invention and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in thepractice of the present invention. Unless otherwise noted, terms are tobe understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skillin the relevant art.

An “amino acid” as used herein refers to a molecule containing an aminegroup, a carboxylic acid group and a side-chain that varies betweendifferent amino acids.

A “cocrystal” as used herein refers to a multiple component crystalcontaining two or more non-identical compounds (cocrystal formers) in astoichiometric ratio each of which is solid under ambient conditions(i.e., 22° C., 1 atmosphere of pressure) when in their pure form.

A “neutral” composition as used herein refers to a composition, ormoiety, optionally possessing both cationic and anionic groups, having azero net electrical charge.

An “organic acid” as used herein is an organic Bronsted acid.

An “organic anion” as used herein is a conjugate base of an organicacid.

A “weak organic acid” as used herein refers to an organic Bronsted acidhaving a pKa of about 0 to about 10.

A “zwitterion compound” or “zwitterionic composition” as used hereinrefers to a macromolecule, material, or moiety, possessing cationic andanionic groups, or acidic and basic centers that tautomerize to thecorresponding cationic and anionic groups. Typically, and preferably inthe context of the present invention, these charged groups are balanced,resulting in a material with zero net electrical charge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to compounds andcompositions comprising a lithium ionic cocrystal of a lithium salt andat least one complementary neutral cocrystal former (i.e., capable ofcoordinating lithium) in a stoichiometric ratio wherein the lithium saltcomprises a conjugate base of an organic acid. Such compounds andcompositions may be used as the active pharmaceutical ingredient inpharmaceutical compositions (optionally also including other componentssuch as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, nutritionalsupplements, and other additives as described elsewhere herein), or inother compositions having utility in applications in which lithium isdesired.

In general, the organic anion lithium ionic cocrystal compounds andcompositions are crystalline materials comprised of two or more unique(non-identical) compounds, each of which is solid at room temperature(i.e., 22° C.), in a generally stoichiometric ratio, each co-existing inthe ionic cocrystal at the molecular level within the ionic cocrystaland each containing distinctive physical characteristics, such asstructure, melting point and heats of fusion. The ionic cocrystals mayalso include water molecules, or one or more solvate molecules, in thecrystalline lattice. Stated differently, solvates or hydrates of ioniccocrystals, or an ionic cocrystal further comprising a solvent, orwater, or compound that is a liquid at room temperature, may be includedin the compositions of the present invention. The water or solvatemolecules can be included in the crystalline lattice in various ways.For example, the water or solvent molecules can be coordinated to thelithium in a stoichiometric ratio or can be found in voids in thecrystalline lattice and be of variable stoichiometry, or both. In oneembodiment, for example, an organic anion lithium ionic cocrystalcompound or composition of the present invention, or solvate or hydratethereof, has the formula LiX.aM.bS wherein X is a conjugate base of anorganic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule, a is from 0.5 to 4, b is0 to 3, and S is solvent or water.

In one exemplary embodiment, the organic anion lithium ionic cocrystalcompound has the formula LiX.aM wherein X is a conjugate base of anorganic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule, and a is from 0.5 to 4.For example, in one such embodiment, a is 0.5. By way of furtherexample, in one such embodiment a is 1. By way of further example, inone such embodiment a is 1.5. By way of further example, in one suchembodiment a is 2. By way of further example in one such embodiment a is2.5. By way of further example, in one such embodiment a is 3. By way offurther example, in one such embodiment a is 3.5. By way of furtherexample, in one such embodiment a is 4.

In another exemplary embodiment, the organic anion lithium ioniccocrystal compound has the formula LiX.aM.bS wherein X is a conjugatebase of an organic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule, a is from 0.5to 4, and b is greater than 0. For example, in one such embodiment, b is0.5. By way of further example, in one such embodiment b is 1. By way offurther example, in one such embodiment b is 1.5. By way of furtherexample, in one such embodiment b is 2. By way of further example in onesuch embodiment b is 2.5. By way of further example, in one suchembodiment b is 3.

In another exemplary embodiment, the organic anion lithium ioniccocrystal compound or composition has the formula LiX.aM.bS wherein X isa conjugate base of an organic acid, M is a neutral organic molecule, ais 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4, b is from 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5,3, and S is solvent or water.

For pharmaceutical applications, it is generally preferred that theionic cocrystals of the present invention comprise a pharmaceuticallyacceptable lithium salt and a stoichiometric amount of a secondpharmaceutically acceptable molecule (the cocrystal former/neutralorganic molecule) that is a solid under ambient conditions (i.e., 22°C., 1 atmosphere of pressure) wherein the pharmaceutically acceptablelithium salt comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable conjugate base ofan organic acid. Although a number of cocrystals are within the ambit ofthis invention, exemplary cocrystals include organic anion lithium ioniccocrystals and neutral pharmaceutically acceptable zwitterioniccompounds, flavonoids, xanthines, sugars, and/or polyphenols.

For non-pharmaceutical applications, the structures and properties ofsome organic anion lithium ionic cocrystal compounds or compositionsmean that they are fine-tunable in terms of their composition andmolecular recognition features. They can, therefore, be used for anionexchange or sequestration (storage) of small molecules such as hydrogen,methane and carbon dioxide. Notably, lithium is the lightest metal andthe organic anion lithium ionic cocrystal compounds and compositionsdescribed herein are inherently air and water stable. They can also beprepared using homochiral organic compounds such as amino acids. Theytherefore offer a unique set of properties that collectively affordssignificant advantages over previous classes of porous material such aszeolites and metal-organic materials.

In an embodiment, non-aqueous, non-solvent impurities may be present inthe organic acid lithium ionic cocrystal compound or composition. Ingeneral, it is preferred that the ionic cocrystal compound orcomposition contain less than 1% by weight impurities (i.e.,compositions other than solvent and/or water that are solid at roomtemperature such as inorganic anion lithium salts) but in someembodiments impurities may constitute up to 5% by weight of the ioniccocrystal compound or composition if they are present as loosely boundguest molecules. In certain embodiments, a greater degree of purity maybe desired; in such instances, it may be preferred that the ioniccocrystal compound or composition contain less than 0.5% by weight(non-aqueous, non-solvent) impurities. In some embodiments, it may bepreferred that the ionic cocrystal compound or composition contain lessthan 0.1% by weight (non-aqueous, non-solvent) impurities. In otherembodiments, it may be preferred that the ionic cocrystal compound orcomposition contain less than 0.01% by weight (non-aqueous, non-solvent)impurities.

Lithium Salts

In general, the lithium salt comprised by an ionic cocrystal compositionof the present invention corresponds to the formula LiX wherein X is aconjugate base of an organic acid. In one such embodiment, X is aconjugate base of a weak organic acid. By way of further example, in onesuch embodiment X is a pharmaceutically acceptable conjugate base of aweak organic acid having a pKa in the range of about 0 to about 10. Byway of further example, in one such embodiment X is a pharmaceuticallyacceptable conjugate base of a weak organic acid having a pKa in therange of about 2 to about 7. By way of further example, in one suchembodiment X is a pharmaceutically acceptable conjugate base of a weakorganic acid having a pKa in the range of about 3 to about 6. By way offurther example, in one such embodiment X is a pharmaceuticallyacceptable conjugate base of a weak organic acid having a pKa in therange of about 3.5 to about 5.5.

In one exemplary embodiment, the lithium salt comprised by an ioniccocrystal composition of the present invention corresponds to theformula LiX wherein X is acetate, adipate, diacetate, alginate,aminosalicylate, anhydromethylenecitrate, arecoline, arginine,ascorbate, asparatete, benzenesulfonate (benzene), benzoate,bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, butylbromide, butyrate, calciumedentate, calcium edentate, camphorate, camsylate (camphorsulfonate),citrate, dihydrochloride, edentate, edisylate (1,2-ethanedisulfonate),estolate (lauryl sulfate), esylate (ethanesulfonate), fumarate,gluceptate (glucoheptonate), gluconate, digluconate, glucuronate,glutamate, glycerophosphate, glucollylarsanilate(p-glycollamidophenylarsonate), hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine(N,N′-di(dehydroabietyl)ethylenediamine), hydroxynaphthoate, isethionate(2-hydroxyethanesulfonate), lactate, lactobionate, lysine, malate,maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylenebis (salicylate),methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napdisylate(1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate), napsylate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate(embonate), pantothenate, pectinate, phenylethyulbarbiturate, picrate,polygalacturonate, propionate, saccharinate, salicylate, stearate,subacetate, succinate, disuccinate, disuccinate, tannate, tartrate,terephthalate, teoclate (8-chlorotheophyllinate), undecanoate, orxinafoate (1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylate).

In another exemplary embodiment, the lithium salt comprised by acocrystal composition of the present invention corresponds to theformula LiX wherein X is the conjugate base of acetylaminoacetic acid;N-acetyl-1-asparagine, N-acetylcystine, adamantoic acid, adipic acid,N-alkylsulfamates, anthraquinone-1,5-disulfonic acid, arabogalactansulfate (arabino), arginine, aspartate,bis-2-carboxychromon-5-yloxy)alkanes, 4-chloro-m-toluenesulfonic acid,decanoate, diacetyl sulfate, dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine,diguiacyl phosphate, diocytyl sulfosuccinate, embonic (pamoic) acid,fructose 1,6-diphosphoric acid, glucose 1-phosphoric acid, glucose6-phosphoric acid, 1-glutamine, hydroxynaphthhoate, lauryl sulfate,lysine, methanesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, octanoate,probenecid, tannic acid, theobromine acetic acid, or3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate.

Cocrystal Formers/Neutral Organic Molecules

For pharmaceutical applications, it is generally preferred that thecocrystal former is any neutral organic molecule that may be safelyadministered to humans. Such compositions may be identified on the GRASlist (also known as the “Generally Recognized As Safe” list) or theEAFUS list (also known as the “Everything Added to Food in the UnitedStates” list) maintained by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration orexcipients approved for pharmaceutical use. More typically, however, thecocrystal former/neutral organic molecule will be a pharmaceuticallyacceptable zwitterionic compound, sugar, polyphenolic compound, vitamin,xanthine, or flavonoid.

In one embodiment, the cocrystal former is a neutral zwitterioniccompound. Exemplary zwitterionic compounds include nicotinic acids ornaturally occurring or synthetic amino acids. For example, in one suchembodiment, the cocrystal former comprises at least one of the 21 aminoacids that are directly encoded for protein synthesis by the geneticcode of eukaryotes, i.e., at least one of alanine, arginine, asparagine,aspartic acid, cysteine, isoleucine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine,histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline,selenocysteine, serine, taurine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, andvaline. For example, in one embodiment the cocrystal former isphenylalanine, leucine, tyrosine, or other amino acids that arepreferentially transported into the brain as compared to other aminoacids. By way of further example, in one embodiment the amino acid is anL-amino acid such as L-phenylalanine, L-leucine, or L-tyrosine. In analternative embodiment, the amino acid is a D-amino acid such asD-phenylalanine, D-leucine, or D-tyrosine. In an alternative embodiment,the cocrystal former comprises a non-proteinogenic amino acid such asbetaine.

In one embodiment, the cocrystal former may comprise an amino acid otherthan the 21 natural amino acids that are directly encoded for proteinsynthesis, such as non-standard amino acids and synthetic amino acids.Synthetic amino acids can include the naturally occurring side chainfunctional groups or synthetic side chain functional groups which modifyor extend the natural amino acids with alkyl, substituted alkyl,cycloalkyl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, aryl alkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, heteroaryl alkyl, and like moieties as framework and withcarboxyl, amine, hydroxyl, phenol, carbonyl, or thiol functional groups;exemplary synthetic amino acids include β-amino acids and homo orβ-analogs of natural (standard) amino acids. Other exemplary amino acidsinclude pyrrolysine, betaine, and carnitine.

In one embodiment, the cocrystal former is xanthine or a derivativethereof (known collectively as xanthines). Exemplary xanthines includecaffeine, paraxanthine, theophylline and threobromine.

In one embodiment, the cocrystal former is a polyphenol. Exemplarypolyphenols that may be used in the compositions of the presentinvention can be classified into the following categories: (1) phenolicacids, (2) flavonoids, (3) stilbenoids; (4) tannins, (5) monophenol suchas hydroxytyrosol or p-tyrosol, (6) capsacin and other capsaicinoids and(7) curcumin. Phenolic acids form a diverse group including, forexample, (a) hydroxycinnamic acids, e.g., p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid,and ferulic acid; (b) hydroxybenzoid acids, e.g., p-hydroxybenzoic acid,gallic acid, and ellagic acid; and (c) rosmarinic acid. Tannins arelarge molecules, found in red wine, tea, and nuts; the term is appliedto any large polyphenolic compound containing sufficient hydroxyls andother suitable groups (such as carboxyls) to form strong complexes withproteins and other macromolecules and are usually divided intohydrolyzable tannins and condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins). At thecenter of a hydrolyzable tannin molecule, there is a polyol carbohydrate(usually D-glucose); the hydroxyl groups of the carbohydrate arepartially or totally esterified with phenolic groups such as gallic acid(in gallotannins) or ellagic acid (in ellagitannins).

Flavonoids are a long and well-known class of natural product that isattracting increasing attention as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.Flavonoids are based upon a group of compounds called chalcones andtypically contain a 3-ring structure called flavone. The metabolicpathway in plants affords many derivatives including flavonols,flavan-3-ols, tannins and other polyphenolics. Flavonoids aresynthesized and widely distributed in plants and fulfill many functionsincluding pigmentation in flowers, and protection from attack bymicrobes and insects. The widespread distribution of flavonoids meansthat they are ingested in significant quantities by animals.Furthermore, their variety, their relatively low toxicity compared to,for example, alkaloids, and their biological activity (they can beanti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and theycan improve cognitive functions) means that consumers, foodmanufacturers and pharmaceutical companies have become interested inflavonoids for their medicinal properties. Indeed, the beneficialeffects of fruit, vegetables, and tea or even red wine have beenattributed to flavonoid compounds. Although many flavonoids are abundantand commercially available they can be hard to purify and crystallizeand their solubility can be low.

In one embodiment, therefore, the present invention is directed tococrystals comprising a flavonoid as the cocrystal former. In thisembodiment, for example, the cocrystal may comprise a flavonoid selectedfrom the group consisting of resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG), quercetin, ferulic acid, ellagic acid, hespereten, andprotocatechuic acid. By way of further example, the cocrystal former maybe a flavonoid selected from the group consisting of EGCG, ferulic acid,ellagic acid, hespereten, and protocatechuic acid.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to ionic cocrystalscomprising a sugar as the cocrystal former. Exemplary sugars includemonosaccharides and disaccharides. For example, in one embodiment thecocrystal former is selected from among fructose, galactose, glucose,lactitol, lactose, maltitol, maltose, mannitol, melezitose, myoinositol,palatinite, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, trehalose, and xylitol.

In another preferred embodiment, the nutraceutical may be one of thepreviously mentioned flavonoid or a nutraceutical selected from a groupof nutraceuticals currently believed to possess biological activity. Forexample, in this embodiment, the nutraceutical may be selected from thegroup consisting of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), glucosamine HCl,chlorogenic acid, lipoic acid, catechin hydrate, creatine,acetyl-L-carnitine HCl, vitamin B6, pyridoxine, caffeic acid,naringenin, vitamin B1 (thiamine HCl), baicalein, luteolin, hesperedin,rosmarinic acid, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, vitamin B9(folic), genistein, methylvanillin, ethylvanillin, silibinin, diadzein,melatonin, rutin hydrate, vitamin A, retinol, vitamin D2(ergocalciferol), vitamin E (tocopherol), diosmin, menadione (K3),vitamin D3 (caholecalciferol), phloretin, indole-3-carbinol, fisetin,glycitein, chrysin, gallocatechin, vitamin B4 (adenine), vitamin B5(pantothenic acid), vitamin B7 (biotin), theobromine, resveratrol,epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin, ferulic acid, ellagicacid, hespereten, and protocatechuic acid. By way of further example, inthis embodiment, the nutraceutical may be selected from the groupconsisting of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), glucosamine HCl, chlorogenicacid, lipoic acid, catechin hydrate, creatine, acetyl-L-carnitine HCl,vitamin B6, pyridoxine, caffeic acid, naringenin, vitamin B1 (thiamineHCl), baicalein, luteolin, hesperedin, rosmarinic acid, epicatechingallate, epigallocatechin, vitamin B9 (folic), genistein,methylvanillin, ethylvanillin, silibinin, diadzein, melatonin, rutinhydrate, vitamin A, retinol, vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), vitamin E(tocopherol), diosmin, menadione (K3), vitamin D3 (caholecalciferol),phloretin, indole-3-carbinol, fisetin, glycitein, chrysin,gallocatechin, vitamin B4 (adenine), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid),vitamin B7 (biotin), theobromine, quercetin, ferulic acid, ellagic acid,hespereten, and protocatechuic acid.

Cocrystal Formation

In general, organic anion lithium ionic cocrystal compositions of thepresent invention may be prepared by combining the lithium salt and thecomplementary neutral organic compound (i.e., the cocrystal former) in asolvent and using a commonly used method to promote crystallization suchas evaporating or cooling the solvent.

In one embodiment, the lithium salt and the complementary neutralorganic compound are combined in an aqueous system. Although notnecessarily preferred, the lithium salt and complementary neutralorganic compound may be dissolved in polar organic solvents such asacetone, acetonitrile, DMSO and alcohols.

In one embodiment, organic anion lithium ionic cocrystal compositions orthe present invention may be prepared by combining a lithium-containingcompound, an organic acid, and a complementary neutral organic compound,in a solvent, such as water, and using a commonly used method to promotecrystallization such as evaporating or cooling the solvent.

Once formed, the solution is then preferably slowly cooled or solvent isslowly evaporated until the cocrystal is formed. The cocrystal structureof the resulting composition may be characterized by at least twotechniques selected from the group consisting of powder x-raydiffraction, single crystal x-ray crystallography, differential scanningcalorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy andthermogravimetric analysis.

Pharmaceutical Forms

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may comprise theactive agent, i.e., a compound or composition comprising the organicanion lithium ionic cocrystal and a neutral organic compound in astoichiometric ratio, alone or may include the active agent and anysuitable additional component, such as one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers, diluents, adjuvants, excipients, or vehicles, suchas preserving agents, fillers, disintegrating agents, wetting agents,emulsifying agents, suspending agents, sweetening agents, flavoringagents, perfuming agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents,lubricating agents and dispensing agents, depending on the nature of themode of administration and dosage forms. Each carrier is preferablyacceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredientsof the formulation and not injurious to the patient.

Dosage unit forms of a pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention comprise a desired amount of the active agent per dose unitand, if intended for oral administration, can be in the form, forexample, of a tablet, a caplet, a pill, a hard or soft capsule, alozenge, a cachet, a dispensable powder, granules, a suspension, anelixir, a dispersion, or any other form reasonably adapted for suchadministration. If intended for parenteral administration, it can be inthe form, for example, of a suspension or transdermal patch. If intendedfor rectal administration, it can be in the form, for example, of asuppository. In one embodiment, the dosage unit form is a discrete doseform such as a tablet or a capsule suitable for oral administration,each containing a predetermined amount of the active agent.

Excipients employed in the compositions of the present invention may besolids, semi-solids, liquids or combinations thereof. In one embodiment,the excipient(s) is/are solids. Compositions of the invention containingexcipients can be prepared by any known technique that comprises, forexample, admixing an excipient with the cocrystal.

Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or morepharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as excipients. Suitablecarriers or diluents illustratively include, but are not limited to,either individually or in combination, lactose, including anhydrouslactose and lactose monohydrate; starches, including directlycompressible starch and hydrolyzed starches (e.g., Celutab™ and Emdex™);mannitol; sorbitol; xylitol; dextrose (e.g., Cerelose™ 2000) anddextrose monohydrate; dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate; sucrose-baseddiluents; confectioners sugar; monobasic calcium sulfate monohydrate;calcium sulfate dihydrate; granular calcium lactate trihydrate;dextrates; inositol; hydrolyzed cereal solids; amylose; cellulosesincluding microcrystalline cellulose, food grade sources of alpha- andamorphous cellulose (e.g., RexcelJ), powdered cellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC);calcium carbonate; glycine; bentonite; block co-polymers;polyvinylpyrrolidone; and the like. Such carriers or diluents, ifpresent, may constitute in total about 5% to about 99%, about 10% toabout 85%, or even about 20% to about 80%, of the total weight of thecomposition. The carrier, carriers, diluent, or diluents selected mayexhibit suitable flow properties and, where tablets are desired,compressibility.

Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or morepharmaceutically acceptable disintegrants as excipients, particularlyfor tablet formulations. Suitable disintegrants include, but are notlimited to, either individually or in combination, starches, includingsodium starch glycolate {e.g., Explotab™ of PenWest) and pregelatinizedcorn starches {e.g., National™ 1551 of National Starch and ChemicalCompany, National™ 1550, and Colorcon™ 1500), clays {e.g., Veegum™ HV ofR.T. Vanderbilt), celluloses such as purified cellulose,microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose andsodium carboxymethylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium (e.g., Ac-Di-Sol™of FMC), alginates, crospovidone, and gums such as agar, guar, locustbean, karaya, pectin and tragacanth gums.

Disintegrants may be added at any suitable step during the preparationof the composition, particularly prior to granulation or during alubrication step prior to compression. Such disintegrants, if present,may constitute in total about 0.2% to about 30%, about 0.2% to about10%, or even about 0.2% to about 5%, of the total weight of thecomposition.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention optionally comprise one ormore pharmaceutically acceptable binding agents or adhesives asexcipients, particularly for tablet formulations. Such binding agentsand adhesives preferably impart sufficient cohesion to the powder beingtableted to allow for normal processing operations such as sizing,lubrication, compression and packaging, but still allow the tablet todisintegrate and the composition to be absorbed upon ingestion. Suchbinding agents may also prevent or inhibit crystallization orrecrystallization of a cocrystal of the present invention once the salthas been dissolved in a solution. Exemplary binding agents and adhesivesinclude, but are not limited to, either individually or in combination,acacia; tragacanth; sucrose; gelatin; glucose; starches such as, but notlimited to, pregelatinized starches (e.g., National™ 151 1 and National™1500); celluloses such as, but not limited to, methylcellulose andcarmellose sodium (e.g., Tylose™); alginic acid and salts of alginicacid; magnesium aluminum silicate; PEG; guar gum; polysaccharide acids;bentonites; povidone, for example povidone K-15, K-30 and K-29/32;polymethacrylates; HPMC; hydroxypropylcellulose (e.g., Klucel™ ofAqualon); and ethylcellulose (e.g., Ethocel™ of the Dow ChemicalCompany). Such binding agents and/or adhesives, if present, mayconstitute in total about 0.5% to about 25%, about 0.75% to about 15%,or even about 1% to about 10%, of the total weight of the pharmaceuticalcomposition.

Many of the binding agents are polymers comprising amide, ester, ether,alcohol or ketone groups and, as such, are optionally included inpharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. Exemplary bindingagents include polyvinylpyrrolidones such as povidone K-30. Polymericbinding agents can have varying molecular weight, degrees ofcrosslinking, and grades of polymer. Polymeric binding agents can alsobe copolymers, such as block co-polymers that contain mixtures ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide units. Variation in these units'ratios in a given polymer affects properties and performance. Examplesof block co-polymers with varying compositions of block units arePoloxamer 188 and Poloxamer 237 (BASF Corporation).

Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or morepharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents as excipients. Such wettingagents may be selected to maintain the cocrystal in close associationwith water, a condition that may improve bioavailability of thecomposition. Such wetting agents can also be useful in solubilizing orincreasing the solubility of crystals.

Non-limiting examples of surfactants that may be used as wetting agentsin compositions of the invention include quaternary ammonium compounds,for example benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride andcetylpyridinium chloride, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethylenealkylphenyl ethers, for example nonoxynol 9, nonoxynol 10, and degreesC. toxynol 9, poloxamers (polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene blockcopolymers), polyoxyethylene fatty acid glycerides and oils, for examplepolyoxyethylene (8) caprylic/capric mono- and diglycerides (e.g.,Labrasol™ of Gattefosse), polyoxyethylene (35) castor oil andpolyoxyethylene (40) hydrogenated castor oil; polyoxyethylene alkylethers, for example polyoxyethylene (20) cetostearyl ether,polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, for example polyoxyethylene (40)stearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, for example polysorbate 20and polysorbate 80 (e.g., Tween™ 80 of ICI), propylene glycol fatty acidesters, for example propylene glycol laurate (e.g., Lauroglycol™ ofGattefosse), sodium lauryl sulfate, fatty acids and salts thereof, forexample oleic acid, sodium oleate and triethanolamine oleate, glycerylfatty acid esters, for example glyceryl monostearate, sorbitan esters,for example sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitanmonopalmitate and sorbitan monostearate, tyloxapol, and mixturesthereof. Such wetting agents, if present, may constitute in total about0.25% to about 15%, about 0.4% to about 10%, or even about 0.5% to about5%, of the total weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or morepharmaceutically acceptable lubricants (including anti-adherents and/orglidants) as excipients. Exemplary lubricants include, but are notlimited to, either individually or in combination, glyceryl behapate(e.g., Compritol™ 888 of Gattefosse); stearic acid and salts thereof,including magnesium, calcium and sodium stearates; hydrogenatedvegetable oils (e.g., Sterotex™ of Abitec); colloidal silica; talc;waxes; boric acid; sodium benzoate; sodium acetate; sodium fumarate;sodium chloride; DL-leucine; PEG (e.g., Carbowax™ 4000 and Carbowax™6000 of the Dow Chemical Company); sodium oleate; sodium lauryl sulfate;and magnesium lauryl sulfate. Such lubricants, if present, mayconstitute in total about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.2% to about 8%, oreven about 0.25% to about 5%, of the total weight of the pharmaceuticalcomposition.

The composition may, for example, be a pharmaceutical composition(medicament), a foodstuff, food supplement or beverage. The terms“foodstuff”, “food supplement”, and “beverage” used herein have thenormal meanings for those terms, and are not restricted topharmaceutical preparations. The appropriate pharmaceutical or ediblegrade of ingredients will be used, according to the desired compositionform.

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention includeformulations suitable for oral, rectal, intranasal, topical (includingtransdermal, buccal and sublingual), vaginal, parental (includingsubcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intradermal) and pulmonaryadministration. The formulations can conveniently be presented in unitdosage form and can be prepared by any methods well known in the art ofpharmacy. Such methods include the step of bringing into association theactive ingredient with the carrier which constitutes one or moreaccessory ingredients. In general, the formulations are prepared byuniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredientwith a suitable carrier, such as liquid carriers or finely divided solidcarriers or both, and then if necessary shaping the product.Formulations of the subject invention suitable for oral administrationcan be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets,each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; or asan oil-in-water liquid emulsion, water-in-oil liquid emulsion, or as asupplement within an aqueous solution, for example, a tea. The activeingredient can also be presented as bolus, electuary, or paste.

Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth includelozenges comprising the active ingredient in a flavored basis, usuallysucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the activeingredient in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucroseand acacia; mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitableliquid carrier; and chocolate comprising the active ingredients.

Formulations suitable for topical administration according to thesubject invention can be formulated as an ointment, cream, suspension,lotion, powder, solution, paste, gel, spray, aerosol or oil.Alternatively, a formulation can comprise a patch or a dressing such asa bandage or adhesive plaster impregnated with active ingredients, andoptionally one or more excipients or diluents. Topical formulationspreferably comprise compounds that facilitate absorption of the activeingredients through the skin and into the bloodstream.

Formulations suitable for intranasal administration, wherein the carrieris a solid, include a coarse powder having a particle size, for example,in the range of about 20 to about 500 microns, which is administered inthe manner in which snuff is taken, e.g., by rapid inhalation throughthe nasal passage from a container of the powder held close up to thenose. Suitable formulations wherein the carrier is a liquid foradministration by nebulizer, include aqueous or oily solutions of theagent. Formulations may optionally comprise compounds that facilitateabsorption of the active ingredients through the skin and into thebloodstream.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous andnon-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions which can containantioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render theformulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; andaqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which can include suspendingagents and thickening agents, and liposomes or other microparticulatesystems which are designed to target the compound to blood components orone or more organs. The formulations can be presented in unit-dose ormulti-dose or multi-dose sealed containers, such as for example,ampoules and vials, and can be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized)condition requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier, forexample, water for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneousinjection solutions and suspensions can be prepared from sterilepowders, granules and tablets of the kind previously described.

It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients particularlymentioned above, the formulations useful in the present invention caninclude other agents conventional in the art regarding the type offormulation in question. For example, formulations suitable for oraladministration can include such further agents as sweeteners,thickeners, and flavoring agents. It also is intended that the agents,compositions, and methods of this invention be combined with othersuitable compositions and therapies.

Various delivery systems are known in the art and can be used toadminister a therapeutic agent or composition of the invention, e.g.,encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, microcapsules,receptor-mediated endocytosis and the like. Methods of administrationinclude, but are not limited to, parenteral, intra-arterial,intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal, and oral routes. Thepharmaceutical compositions can be provided in the form of tablets,lozenges, granules, capsules, pills, ampoule, suppositories or aerosolform. The pharmaceutical compositions can also be provided in the formof suspensions, solutions, and emulsions of the active ingredient inaqueous or non-aqueous diluents, syrups, granulates or powders.

Pharmaceutical formulations of the invention can be administeredsimultaneously or sequentially with other drugs or biologically activeagents. Examples include, but are not limited to, antioxidants, freeradical scavenging agents, peptides, growth factors, antibiotics,bacteriostatic agents, immunosuppressives, anticoagulants, bufferingagents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-pyretics, time-release binders,anesthetics, steroids and corticosteroids.

Preferred unit dosage formulations are those containing a daily dose orunit, daily subdose, or an appropriate fraction thereof, of an agent.Therapeutic amounts can be empirically determined and will vary with thecondition being treated, the subject being treated, and the efficacy andtoxicity of the agent. Similarly, suitable dosage formulations andmethods of administering the agents can be readily determined by thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustratethe present invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in theart that the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow representapproaches the inventors have found function well in the practice of theinvention, and thus can be considered to constitute examples of modesfor its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light ofthe present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in thespecific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like orsimilar result without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustratethe present invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in theart that the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow representapproaches the inventors have found function well in the practice of theinvention, and thus can be considered to constitute examples of modesfor its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light ofthe present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in thespecific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like orsimilar result without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Example 1 LBEPRO 1:1 Cocrystal of Lithium Benzoate and L-Proline

Reaction LiOH + C₆H₅COOH + → LiC₆H₅COO•C₅H₉NO₂

Lithium hydroxide (>98%, anhydrous, used as received from Sigma Aldrich,47.9 mg, 2.0 mmol), benzoic acid (>99% used as received from SigmaAldrich, 244.2 mg, 2.0 mmol) and L-proline (99+% pure, used as receivedfrom Aldrich, 230.2 mg, 2.0 mmol)) were dissolved in 2.0 mL of deionizedwater. The solution was evaporated on a hot plate until crystals emergedfrom solution. Colorless plates (150.5 mg) were collected from the hotsolution.

Crystals of LBEPRO were characterized by single crystal x-raycrystallography (Table 1) and powder x-ray diffraction (Bruker D8advance, Cu radiation) (FIG. 1; calculated (top) and experimental(bottom)). As can be seen from FIG. 1, major peaks lie at about thefollowing positions: 7.5, 11.6, 16.7, 19.4, 20.4, 20.9, 22.6, 23.2 and24.7.

FIG. 2 shows a comparison of the experimental and calculated powderx-ray diffraction patterns of LBEPRO.

FIG. 3 shows a digital microscope image of LBEPRO crystals.

The single crystal x-ray structure reveals that LBEPRO is a 1:1cocrystal of lithium benzoate and L-proline. There are four benzoates,four L-prolines and four lithium cations in the unit cell. Each lithiumcation is bridged by four carboxylate moieties (from two L-prolines andtwo benzoate anions) to form square grids.

FIG. 4 shows the crystal packing diagram of LBEPRO.

TABLE 1 Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for LBEPRO (Bruker-AXSAPEX2 CCD diffractometer) Crystallographic data Empirical formulaC₁₂H₁₄LiNO₄ Formula weight 243.18 Temperature 228 (2) K Wavelength1.54178 Å Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group P2₁2₁2₁ Unit celldimensions a = 10.1024 (2) Å α = 90° b = 10.5639 (2) Å β = 90° c =11.7158 (2) Å γ = 90° Volume 1250.32 (4) Å³ Z 4 Density (calculated)1.292 Mg/m³ Reflections collected 11172 Independent reflections 2250[R(int) = 0.0393] Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 = 0.0329, wR2 =0.0824 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0343, wR2 = 0.0835

Example 2 LIS4HPR 1:1 Cocrystal of Lithium Salicylate and 4-HydroxyProline

Reaction LiOH + C₇H₆O₃ + → C₇H₅O₃LiC₅H₉NO₃

Lithium hydroxide (>98%, anhydrous, used as received from Sigma Aldrich,23.9 mg, 1.0 mmol), salicylic acid (>99% used as received from SigmaAcros Organics, 138.1 mg, 1.0 mmol) and 4-hydroxy proline (99+% pure,used as received from Aldrich, 131.1 mg, 1.0 mmol)) were dissolved in3.0 mL of deionised water. The solution was evaporated on a hot plateuntil crystals emerged from solution. Colorless plates (226.0 mg) werecollected from the hot solution.

Crystals of LIS4HPR were characterized by single crystal x-raycrystallography (Table 2) and powder x-ray diffraction (Bruker D8advance, Cu radiation) (FIG. 5; calculated (top) and experimental(bottom)). As can be seen from FIG. 5, major peaks lie at about thefollowing positions: 6.9, 16.6, 18.6, 21.8, 22.8, 24.4 and 27.9.

FIG. 6 shows a comparison of the experimental and calculated powderx-ray diffraction patterns of LIS4HPR.

FIG. 7 shows a digital microscope image of LIS4HPR crystals.

The single crystal x-ray structure reveals that LIS4HPR is a 1:1cocrystal of lithium salicylate and 4-hydroxy proline. Each unit cellcontains eight salicylate anions, eight hydroxy prolines and eightlithium cations. Each lithium cation is bridged by four carboxylatemoieties (two 4-hydroxy prolines and two salicylate anions) to formsquare grids.

FIG. 8 shows the crystal packing diagram of LIS4HPR.

TABLE 2 Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for LIS4HPR (Bruker-D8venture photon diffractometer) Crystallographic data Empirical formulaC₁₂H₁₄LiNO₆ Formula weight 275.18 Temperature 100 (2) K Wavelength1.54178 Å Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group P2₁2₁2₁ Unit celldimensions a = 9.7805 (5) Å α = 90° b = 10.4758 (5) Å β = 90° c =24.8959 (12) Å γ = 90° Volume 2250.8 (2) Å³ Z 8 Density (calculated)1.433 Mg/m³ Reflections collected 40970 Independent reflections 4351[R(int) = 0.0546] Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 = 0.0385, wR2 =0.0809 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0455, wR2 = 0.0839

Example 3 LISBAL 1:1 Cocrystal of Lithium Salicylate and Beta Alanine

Reaction LiOH + C₇H₆O₃ + → LiC₇H₅O₃•C₃H₇NO₂

Lithium hydroxide (>98%, anhydrous, used as received from Sigma Aldrich,23.9 mg, 1.0 mmol), Salicylic acid (>99% used as received from SigmaAcros Organics, 138.1 mg, 1.0 mmol) and beta alanine (99+% pure, used asreceived from Aldrich, 178.1 mg, 2.0 mmol)) were dissolved in 5.0 mL ofdeionised water. The solution was evaporated on a hot plate untilcrystals emerged from solution. Colorless plates (85.0 mg) werecollected from the hot solution.

Crystals of LISBAL were characterized by single crystal x-raycrystallography (Table 3) and powder x-ray diffraction (Bricker D8advance, Cu radiation) (FIG. 9; calculated (top) and experimental(bottom)). As can be seen from FIG. 9, major peaks lie at about thefollowing positions: 7.4, 12.0, 15.0, 19.8, 22.3, 24.5 and 25.8.

FIG. 10 shows a comparison of experimental and calculated powder x-raydiffraction patterns of LISBAL.

FIG. 11 shows a digital microscope image of LISBAL crystals.

The single crystal x-ray structure reveals that LISBAL is a 1:1cocrystal of lithium salicylate and beta alanine. Each lithium cation isbridged by four carboxylate moieties, two from beta alanine (Li—O bonddistances: 1.920 Å, 1.923 Å) and two from salicylate anions (Li—O bonddistances: 1.921 Å, 1.939 Å) to form a square grid.

FIG. 12 shows the crystal packing diagram of LISBAL.

TABLE 3 Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for LISBAL (Bruker-D8venture photon diffractometer) Crystallographic data Empirical formulaC₂₀H₂₄Li₂N₂O₁₀ Formula weight 466.29 Temperature 120 (2) K Wavelength1.54178 Å Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group P2₁2₁2₁ Unit celldimensions a = 9.3574 (6) Å α = 90° b = 9.9529 (6) Å β = 90° c = 23.5985(15) Å γ = 90° Volume 2197.8 (2) Å³ Z 4 Density (calculated) 1.409 Mg/m³Reflections collected 30531 Independent reflections 3692 [R(int) =0.0543] Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 = 0.0261, wR2 = 0.0607 Rindices (all data) R1 = 0.0286, wR2 = 0.0620

Example 4 LOXBAL.H₂O Monohydrate of the 1:2 Cocrystal of Lithium Oxalateand Beta Alanine

Reaction 2LiOH + C₂H₂O₄ + → C₂O₄Li₂(H₂O)(C₃H₇NO₂)₂

Lithium hydroxide (>98%, anhydrous, used as received from sigma aldrich,47.9 mg, 2.0 mmol), oxalic acid (>99% used as received from SigmaAldrich, 90.0 mg, 1.0 mmol) and beta alanine (99+% pure, used asreceived from Aldrich, 178.1 mg, 2.0 mmol)) were dissolved in 3.0 mL ofdeionised water. The solution was evaporated on a hot plate untilcrystals emerged from solution. Colorless needles (140.0 mg) werecollected from the hot solution.

Crystals of LOXBAL.H₂O were characterized by single crystal x-raycrystallography (Table 4).

FIG. 13 shows the calculated x-ray diffraction patterns of LOXBAL.H₂O.As can be seen from FIG. 13, major peaks were observed in the calculatedpowder x-ray diffraction pattern at approximately the followingpositions: 7.0, 18.3, 21.2, 22.3, 24.4, 28.4 and 29.0.

FIG. 14 shows a digital microscope image of LOXBAL.H₂O crystals.

The single crystal x-ray structure reveals that LOXBAL.H₂O is a 1:2ionic cocrystal of lithium oxalate and beta alanine with one watermolecule in the crystal lattice. Each lithium cation is coordinated tothree oxalate bridging carboxylates, one carboxylate of beta alanine anda water molecule that is coordinated as an aqua ligand. The resultingstructure is that of a 2 dimensional network (FIG. 15) that is furtherconnected through hydrogen bonds of water molecules to form a threedimensional hydrogen-bonded network.

FIG. 15 shows the crystal packing diagram of LOXBAL.H₂O.

TABLE 4 Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for LOXBAL · H2O(Bruker-D8 venture photon diffractometer) Crystallographic dataEmpirical formula C₈H₁₆Li₂N₂O₉ Formula weight 149.05 Temperature 100 (2)K Wavelength 1.54178 Å Crystal system Monoclinic Space group C2/c Unitcell dimensions a = 25.2895 (15) Å α = 90° b = 5.3066 (3) Å β =97.360(2)° c = 10.0243 (6) Å γ = 90° Volume 1334.19 (14) Å³ Z 4 Density(calculated) 1.484 Mg/m³ Reflections collected 9904 Independentreflections 1106 [R(int) = 0.0455] Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 =0.0307, wR2 = 0.0777 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0325, wR2 = 0.0799

Example 5 LSCBTN.2H₂O The Dihydrate of the 1:1 Cocrystal of LithiumSaccharinate and Betaine

Reaction LiOH + C₇H₅NO₃S + → C₇H₄SO₃NLi(H₂O)₂•C₅H₁₁NO₂

Lithium hydroxide (>98%, anhydrous, used as received from Sigma Aldrich,23.9 mg, 1.0 mmol), saccharin (>99% used as received from Sigma Aldrich,183.1 mg, 1.0 mmol) and betaine (99+% pure, used as received fromAldrich, 117.1 mg, 1.0 mmol) were dissolved in 4.0 mL of deionisedwater. The solution was evaporated on a hot plate until crystals emergedfrom solution. Colorless plates (127.0 mg) were collected from the hotsolution.

Crystals of LSCBTN.2H₂O were characterized by single crystal x-raycrystallography (Table 5) and powder x-ray diffraction (Brucker D8advance, Cu radiation) (FIG. 16; calculated (top) and experimental(bottom)). As can be seen from FIG. 16, major peaks lie at about thefollowing positions: 5.2, 14.7, 15.2, 18.5, 21.6, 22.7, 24.3, 25.0 and26.4.

FIG. 17 shows a comparison of the experimental and calculated powderx-ray diffraction patterns of LSCBTN.2H₂O.

FIG. 18 shows a digital microscope image of LSCBTN.2H₂O crystals.

The single crystal x-ray structure reveals that LSCBTN.2H₂O is a 1:1cocrystal of lithium saccharinate and betaine with two water moleculesin the crystal lattice. Each lithium cation is bridged by twocarboxylate moieties of betaine (Li—O bond distances: 1.921 Å, 1.940 Å)to form a liner chain and is also coordinated by two water molecules(Li—O bond distances: 1.955 Å and 1.893 Å). These water molecules formhydrogen bonds with the carbonyl and basic nitrogen of saccharinateanions.

FIG. 19 shows the crystal packing diagram of LSCBTN.2H₂O.

TABLE 5 Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for LSCBTN.2H₂O(Bruker-AXS APEX2 CCD diffractometer) Crystallographic data Empiricalformula C₁₂H₁₉LiN₂O₇S Formula weight 342.29 Temperature 296 (2) KWavelength 1.54178 Å Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group P b c aUnit cell dimensions a = 11.9004 (2) Å α = 90° b = 8.1845 (10) Å β = 90°c = 33.2368 (15) Å γ = 90° Volume 3237.22 (8) Å³ Z 8 Density(calculated) 1.405 Mg/m³ Reflections collected 26918 Independentreflections 2941 [R(int) = 0.0524] Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 =0.0358, wR2 = 0.0925 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0440, wR2 = 0.0978

Example 6 LSCSAR Monohydrate of 1:1 Cocrystal of Lithium Saccharinateand Sarcosine

Reaction LiOH + C₇H₅NO₃S + → C₇H₄NO₃SLi(H₂O)(C₃H₇NO₂)

Lithium hydroxide (>98%, anhydrous, used as received from Sigma Aldrich,23.9 mg, 1.0 mmol), saccharin (>99% used as received from Sigma Aldrich,183.1 mg, 1.0 mmol) and sarcosine (99+% pure, used as received fromAldrich, 178.1 mg, 2.0 mmol) were dissolved in 4.0 mL of deionisedwater. The solution was evaporated on a hot plate until crystals emergedfrom solution. Colorless needles (190.0 mg) were collected from the hotsolution.

Crystals of LSCSAR were characterized by single crystal x-raycrystallography (Table 6) and powder x-ray diffraction (Bruker D8advance, Cu radiation) (FIG. 20; calculated (top) and experimental(bottom)). As can be seen from FIG. 20, major peaks lie at about thefollowing positions: 12.7, 15.0, 16.5, 20.5, 23.1, 25.6 and 26.6.

FIG. 21 shows a comparison of the experimental and calculated powderx-ray diffraction patterns of LSCSAR.

FIG. 22 shows a digital microscope image of LSCSAR crystals.

The single crystal x-ray structure reveals that LSCSAR is a 1:1cocrystal of lithium saccharinate and sarcosine with one water moleculecoordinated to lithium as an aqua ligand. Each lithium cation iscoordinated by two carboxylates of sarcosine, one carbonyl functionalgroup of saccharinate and one water molecule to achieve distortedtetrahedral coordination. Lithium cations are bridged by carboxylatemoieties of sarcosine to form linear chains and the aqua ligands formhydrogen bonds to adjacent chains via the basic nitrogen atom ofsaccharinate.

FIG. 23 shows the crystal packing diagram of LSCSAR.

TABLE 6 Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for LSCSAR (Bruker-D8venture photon diffractometer) Crystallographic data Empirical formulaC₁₀H₁₃LiN₂O₆S Formula weight 296.22 Temperature 111 (2) K Wavelength1.54178 Å Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group Pbca Unit celldimensions a = 7.8188 (2) Å α = 90° b = 10.9548 (3) Å β = 90° c =29.2415 (7) Å γ = 90° Volume 2504.63 (11) Å³ Z 8 Density (calculated)1.571 Mg/m³ Reflections collected 12748 Independent reflections 2180[R(int) = 0.1089] Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 = 0.0399, wR2 =0.0863 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0536, wR2 = 0.0910

Example 7 LISPRO 1:1 Cocrystal of Lithium Salicylate and L-Proline

Reaction

+ → C₂₄H₂₅Li₂N₂O₁₀(LISPRO)

Lithium Salicylate (99+%, anhydrous, used as received from SigmaAldrich, 1 mmol) and L-proline (99+% pure, used as received from SigmaAldrich, 1 mmol) were dissolved in 2.0 ml of hot deionised water. It wasmaintained on the hot plate (75-90° C.) until crystal formation.Colorless crystals (approximately 218 mg) were collected.

Crystals of LISPRO were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy (NicoletAvatar 320 FTIR, solid state) (FIG. 24), DSC (TA instrument 2920) (FIG.25), powder x-ray diffraction (Bruker AXS D8, Cu radiation) (FIG. 26;calculated) and single crystal x-ray crystallography (Table 7). As canbe seen from FIG. 26, major peaks were observed in the calculated powderx-ray diffraction pattern at approximately the following positions: 7.2,11.3, 17.1, 18.6, 19.4, 20.9, 22.8, 24.7, 28.2°.

FIG. 27 shows a digital microscope image of LISPRO crystals.

The single crystal x-ray structural analysis reveals that LISPROcontains four lithium cations, four salicylate anions and four L-prolinemolecules in the unit cell. Each lithium cation is stabilized bytetrahedral coordination in square grid type waved 2-D layers extendedin a and b directions. In the c direction, the layers are held togetherthrough pi-pi and CH . . . pi interaction of aromatic rings as well asweak CH . . . O interactions.

FIG. 28 shows a crystal packing diagram of LISPRO.

TABLE 7 Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for LISPRO (Bruker-AXSAPEX2 CCD diffractometer) Crystallographic data Empirical formulaC₂₄H₂₅Li₂N₂O₁₀ Formula weight 515.34 Temperature 293 (2) K Wavelength1.54178 Å Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group P2₁ Unit celldimensions a = 10.3591 (16) Å α = 90.00° b = 10.1545 (14) Å β = 93.460(10) c = 12.173 (2) Å γ = 90.00° Volume 1278.2 (4) Å³ Z 2 Density(calculated) 1.339 Mg/m³ Reflections collected 5567 Independentreflections 3498 [R(int) = 0.0431] Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 =0.0976, wR2 = 0.2651 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.1439, wR2 = 0.3124

Example 8

In this example, saccharinate was used as the counter ion insynthesizing novel lithium ionic cocrystals (ICCs) with amino acids:betaine (BTN) and sarcosine (SAR). The selection of saccharine as acounterion is justified because it is artificial sweetener and can besafely used as a food additive. Lithium saccharinate (LSC) is reportedin open literature as 11/6 hydrate (Ong, T. T.; Kavuru, P.; Nguyen, T.;Cantwell, R.; Wojtas, Ł.; Zaworotko, M. J. J Am Chem Soc, 2011, 133,9224-9227. (b) Zaworotko, M. J.; Shytle, R. D.; Teng, O. T.; Kavuru, P.;Cantwell, R. N.; Nguyen, T.; Smith, A. J. Preparation of lithiumcocrystals for pharmaceuticals. WO 2012129568, 2012). Novel ICCs weresynthesized from slow evaporation of water and mechanical grindingmethods and the reaction mechanisms are as previously described herein.Two novel ionic cocrystals, LSCBTN (Lithium saccharinate betaine) andLSCSAR (Lithium saccharinate sarcosine) were characterized by singlecrystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetricanalysis and infrared spectroscopy

One promising biological activity of lithium that has implications fortreating neurodegenerative diseases (K. M. Boje and P. K. Arora, Brainresearch, 1992, 587, 250-256) and depression (M. Ghasemi, H.Sadeghipour, A. Mosleh, H. R. Sadeghipour, A. R. Mani and A. R. Dehpour,European neuropsychopharmacology: the journal of the European College ofNeuropsychopharmacology, 2008, 18, 323-332) is the ability to attenuatemicroglial-produced nitric oxide. To determine if these new ICCs of LSCmight offer more potent microglial modulatory bioactivity, alipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia in vitro model ofneuroinflammation was used. Smith et al. utilized this model andreported that another lithium ICC attenuated nitric oxide (NO) releasefrom the LPS-stimulated microglia, a known bioactivity of lithium(Smith, A. J.; Kim, S. H.; Duggirala, N. K.; Jin, J.; Wojtas, Ł.;Ehrhart, J.; Giunta, B.; Tan, J.; Zaworotko, M. J.; Shytle, D. R., Mol.Pharm.). BV2 microglia cells were treated with LIC (LiCl), LSC (Lithiumsaccharinate), LSCBTN and LSCSAR at 12.5 and 25 mM in DMEM for 1 hourprior to activation of microglia by 100 ng/ml LPS. Nitrite (NO²⁻), astable breakdown product of NO, was measured in the media 24 hours laterusing a Griess Reagent System (Promega). Results are shown in FIG. 29.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, LPS increased NO production by BV2 microglia.Further, all lithium treatment attenuated this pro-inflammatory responseto different degrees. At 25 mM, both LSC ICCs completely inhibited NOproduction (*p>0.05 compared to No LPS control). Interestingly, LIC wasfound to be only partially effective. LSC outperformed LIC at bothconcentrations. However, both LSC ICCs outperformed the lithium salts(LIC and LSC) at all concentrations tested (**p<0.01). This suggeststhat the increased bioactivity is due either to synergistic actions ofthe amino acids or that these new ICCs of lithium are more permeable toBV2 microglia cells. It is presently believed that the latter is morelikely and improved microglial modulatory activities that we observed.These findings are important and applicable to all crystalengineering-enabled drug discovery efforts.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing a pharmaceuticalcomposition containing a lithium cocrystal composition, the methodcomprising combining the lithium cocrystal composition with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, wherein the lithiumcocrystal composition is produced by (1) mixing (i) a lithium saltcomprising a conjugate base of an organic acid and (ii) a complementaryneutral organic molecule in a solvent and (2) evaporating or cooling thesolvent to form the lithium ionic cocrystal composition.
 2. The methodof claim 1 wherein the stoichiometric ratio of the complementary neutralorganic compound to the lithium salt is 0.5:1 to 4:1, respectively. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein the stoichiometric ratio of thecomplementary neutral organic compound to the lithium salt is 0.5:1,respectively.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the stoichiometric ratioof the complementary neutral organic compound to the lithium salt is1:1, respectively.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the stoichiometricratio of the complementary neutral organic compound to the lithium saltis 2:1, respectively.
 6. The method of any of claim 1 wherein theorganic lithium ionic cocrystal composition is a solvate or a hydrate.7. The method of claim 1 wherein the method comprises combining alithium base, an organic acid, and the complementary neutral organiccompound in the solvent.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the lithiumsalt is produced by mixing lithium hydroxide with an organic acid. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein the method comprises introducing anorganic anion lithium salt and the complementary neutral organiccompound into the solvent.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein theorganic acid is benzoic acid, salicylic acid, oxalic acid, or saccharin.11. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic acid has a pKa in therange of 0 to
 10. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the complementaryneutral organic molecule is a neutral zwitterionic compound, a xanthine,a polyphenol, a flavonoid, a sugar, or an amino acid.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the solvent is a polar organic solvent.
 14. The methodof claim 1, wherein the solvent is acetone, acetonitrile, DMSO or analcohol.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent is water. 16.The method of claim 1, wherein the conjugate base of the organic acid isacetate, adipate, diacetate, alginate, aminosalicylate,anhydromethylenecitrate, arecoline, arginine, ascorbate, asparatete,benzenesulfonate (benzene), benzoate, bicarbonate, bisulfate,bitartrate, butylbromide, butyrate, calcium edentate, calcium edentate,camphorate, camsylate (camphorsulfonate), citrate, dihydrochloride,edentate, edisylate (1,2-ethanedisulfonate), estolate (lauryl sulfate),esylate (ethanesulfonate), fumarate, gluceptate (glucoheptonate),gluconate, digluconate, glucuronate, glutamate, glycerophosphate,glucollylarsanilate (p-glycollamidophenylarsonate), hexylresorcinate,hydrabamine (N,N′-di(dehydroabietyl)ethylenediamine), hydroxynaphthoate,isethionate (2-hydroxyethanesulfonate), lactate, lactobionate, lysine,malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylenebis(salicylate), methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napdisylate(1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate), napsylate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate(embonate), pantothenate, pectinate, phenylethyulbarbiturate, picrate,polygalacturonate, propionate, saccharinate, salicylate, stearate,subacetate, succinate, disuccinate, disuccinate, tannate, tartrate,terephthalate, teoclate (8-chlorotheophyllinate), thiocyanate,triethiodide, undecanoate, or xinafoate(1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylate).
 17. The method of claim 1, whereinthe organic acid is acetylaminoacetic acid; N-acetyl-1-asparagine,N-acetylcystine, adamantoic acid, adipic acid, N-alkylsulfamates,anthraquinone-1,5-disulfonic acid, arabogalactan sulfate (arabino),arginine, aspartate, betaine, bis-2-carboxychromon-5-yloxy)alkanes,carnitine, 4-chloro-m-toluenesulfonic acid, decanoate, diacetyl sulfate,dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, diguiacyl phosphate, diocytylsulfosuccinate, embonic (pamoic) acid, fructose 1,6-diphosphoric acid,glucose 1-phosphoric acid, glucose 6-phosphoric acid, 1-glutamine,hydroxynaphthhoate, 2-(4-imidazolyl)ethylamine, isobutanolamine, laurylsulfate, lysine, methanesulfonic acid, N-methylglucamine,N-methylpiperazine, morphonine, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, octanoate,probenecid, tannic acid, theobromine acetic acid, or3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate, tromethamine.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the lithium cocrystal composition has the formula LiX.aM, or asolvate or hydrate thereof, wherein X is a conjugate base of an organicacid, M is the complementary neutral organic compound comprising neutralzwitterionic compound, a xanthine, a polyphenol, a flavonoid, or anamino acid; and a is from 0.5 to
 4. 19. The method of claim 1, whereinthe lithium cocrystal composition has the formula LiX.aM.bS wherein X isa conjugate base of an organic acid; M is the complementary neutralorganic compound comprising neutral zwitterionic compound, a xanthine, apolyphenol, a flavonoid, or an amino acid; S is solvent or water; a isfrom 0.5 to 4; and b is 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3.